…Chevron, Shell Must Discuss Implementation Directly With Us – Ugborodo Community
…Protest Against Chevron Suspended Not Called Off — Eyengho
By Onome Oghenetega
The people of oil-rich Ugborodo Community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State have set up Ikpere Host Community Development Trust to facilitate the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The community similarly announced a seven-day ultimatum to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to directly engage Ugborodo people on the implementation of the PIA.
They, however, warned International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the area including Chevron and SPDC to desist from further discussion with third party or external institutions for the implementation of the PIA.
After hours of deliberations, the community resolved that any discussion regarding the implementation of PIA must directly be entered with the Ugborodo people, adding that they are not party to the larger Itsekiri Host Community Development Trust.
This was disclosed during a general meeting of Ugborodo Community comprising its five federating communities on Saturday at Ode-Ugborodo, the traditional headquarters of Ugborodo people.
The five Ugborodo federating communities are; Ode-Ugborodo, Ogidigben, Ajudaibo, Madangho and Ijaghala.
The meeting, attended by prominent sons and daughters of Ugborodo including billionaire businessman, Chief Ayiri Emami; former NDDC Director of Projects, Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli, Comrade Alex Eyengho, Mr Joseph Uwawha and a host of others, had the Eghare-Aja of Ugborodo, Pa Daniel Uwawha and Igbajor of Ugborodo, Prince Perry Atete, presiding.
Ugborodo community at the general meeting, which is the apex decision making meeting of the community, resolved to establish her autonomous Trust which will implement the PIA for the betterment of the community.
Speaking on the resolution reached at the meeting, Ugborodo community leader, Mr Eyengho, told journalists that the community is autonomous in the implementation of PIA.
On the recent protest against Chevron Nigeria Limited, Eyengho said, “We suspended the protest to give room for further discussion not that it has been called off. It was only suspended based on some understanding between Chevron and our people.
“It was a tripartite meeting between the community, Chevron and the regulatory Agency of the PIA. A follow up meeting will be held this Tuesday (tomorrow) to further engage. The law establishing PIA is very clear
“Chevron is showing commitment; they have visited this community twice and talks are ongoing. Parts of our demands at the protest are that Ugborodo community wants to have its own PIA. Our own trust is different from any other trust in Itsekiriland.”
Eyengho, flanked by the Mr. Joseph Uwawha (a personal assistant to the Eghare-Aja of Ugborodo Community), added, “Ikpere is synonymous to Ugborodo. The indigenes at this meeting have resolved that our PIA be called Ikpere Host Community Development Trust.
“Similarly, we have issued SPDC a seven day notice from yesterday (Friday), to do what Chevron is doing, by coming to Ugborodo to discuss with us because the PIA and its accompanying regulation by the regulating agency is very clear.
“We are only saying follow the extant law of the PIA in constituting the three organs of the PIA – the Board of Trustee, the Management Committee and Advisory Committee. We expect Shell to take us seriously. We have written to them several times and we expect them to take us seriously. Ugborodo people are very peaceful. We are expecting Shell to do the right thing by coming to engage our people.”
